By Michael Mele
Before you board your plane for Italy, here are a few things to know to help ensure a smooth trip.
Banking
You might let your credit card bank know you are traveling so you don’t encounter that embarrassing situation where your credit card is refused – in an abundance of caution by your bank – as you stand there with no alternative means of payment. Yes, they are protecting you, but you don’t want to end up washing dishes in that cute little trattoria in Florence!
Credit cards
When you use a credit card, you will generally get a good exchange rate. When they ask if you want the purchase calculated in dollars or euros, always opt for euros. Otherwise, they will apply their own less favorable exchange rate including hidden commissions. There are a few cards that don’t charge international foreign exchange fees, like Capital One. Check your card to see if they do charge these foreign exchange fees. If they do, it might be worthwhile to apply for one that doesn’t so you are not surprised by additional fees when you get your statement that you didn’t bargain for.
Currency
We recommend our clients get local currency out of an ATM machine in Italy, which is called a Bancomat. For that, of course you need your debit or ATM card AND YOUR PIN! If you stand at a machine trying different variations of your PIN, it will eventually eat your card, assuming it is a fraudulent attempt to access your funds. And it will not give that card back even if you go inside the branch and beg!
ATMs vs Bancomat
BEWARE! Italy has gotten wise that Americans are looking for something called an ATM to change their money. So an enterprising company has flooded most large cities with these attractive yellow machines that will dispense local currency when you enter your card. Easy, convenient – but what is not transparent is the huge fees they charge and the unfavorable exchange rate they offer. Avoid these. Instead find a Bancomat, usually associated with an actual bank – like in America.
Current
Italy uses the stronger 240 volt current as opposed to the 120 volts in the US. Not to worry, most modern electronics chargers (smart phones, cameras, computers, etc.) automatically convert the currency for you when you plug them in. (Please don’t bring a hairdryer. Besides being bulky in your luggage, most hotels and our venues supply these. An American hairdryer usually burns up due to the higher voltage.) No need to bring a currency converter like the old days. But you STILL need the little adaptor that will change the shape of your plug to fit the Italian outlets. They are readily available in most hardware stores and look like this:
Cell phones
Your American phone plan usually doesn’t automatically work in Europe. Calls and data roaming will be charged as international phone calls (!) unless you contact your provider in advance and request a temporary international phone plan while you are traveling. They can be arranged through Verizon and other companies for a low fee that can include either phone, text or data. Don’t be surprised by a $1,000 phone bill when you return home. In addition, we always recommend our clients keep their phone on Airplane Mode the whole time. Use data only when connected to wi-fi at a hotel or venue.
So, if you organize yourself well before you travel, you are sure to avoid some compromising or costly situations.
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